ELMSFORD, N.Y. (December 19, 2006) - J.J. Henry probably thought it would be difficult to top his 2006 season on Tour, which included his first win and a spot on the Ryder Cup team. But he will have a chance to do just that when he tees it up at Augusta National Golf Club on April 5 for the first round of The Masters.  The invitations were sent out last week and by virtue of his finish in the top 40 on the PGA Tour Money List, Henry received one of the coveted spots in the year’s first major championship.  This will be Henry’s first appearance at The Masters.

As Augusta National continues to lengthen the golf course to more than 7,400 yards in preparation for the world’s best players, J.J. Henry’s game should serve him well, as he finished the season ranked in the top 50 in driving distance.  But what will help him the most is his ranking of 22nd in greens hit in regulation.  Henry should adapt well to Augusta’s length and be able to use shorter clubs on the approach shots to the course’s difficult greens.

Henry, a former Connecticut State Player of the Year, cemented his position as a top-tier player in July 2006 with his first career PGA Tour victory, at the Buick Championship in his home state of Connecticut.  The win vaulted him into the top ten in the Ryder Cup standings, where he was the standout rookie on an otherwise disappointing team.  He earned 1 ½ points with three halved matches, one singles match and two matches paired with Stewart Cink.  His season also included five top-10 finishes en route to earning more than $2 million.

The Masters Tournament is scheduled for April 5-8 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.  The majority of the field has been set for the event and includes 17 first-time invitees, including Henry’s rookie Ryder Cup teammate Brett Wetterich.  Click below for more information on the 2007 Masters at their official Web site.